October 29, 2010

An ancient bicycle dating back to the time of the pharaohs rests on a typical side alley in Cairo.

The owner is the kind proprietor of the sheesha cafe I visit thrice daily to catch up on some reading and voluntarily inhale carcinogenic substances. Surely I've spent enough money here on fizzy beverages and apple-flavored tobacco that he can afford a new bike. The industrial strength padlock and chain are displayed without the slightest sense of irony. If Mr. T. were here, there would certainly be some fool he'd pity who's desperate enough to steal this solid cast-iron bicycle sans one pedal.